Founded in 1972, this no-frills Punjabi restaurant in Whitechapel is much loved. For decades diners had to wait in line, but these days they can book– do, because it’s permanently packed. The service is brusque and it’s bring- your-own-booze, so don’t forget to pick up beers at the corner shop. Better still, stick with a mango lassi and settle in for the charred lamb chops, which have a cult status. Tayyabs may not be winning any design awards but it’s a more elevated version of strip-lit Lahore down the road.

Don’t we all love a beer garden for summer and warm pies for winter? Well, The Camel has both. This pub in Bethnal Green is laidback and fun, they have a series of board games for you to play whilst enjoying their ale and an insane menu of pies for you to try and probably come back for multiple times. 

Satan’s Whiskers is a quirky, taxidermy-decorated cocktail bar. After being listed in multiple Best Cocktail Bar lists, it continues to serve impressive classic drinks. Hip-hop music and amazing energy make this phenomenal spot stand out and be the perfect scene for drinks before heading out to party till sunrise or breaking the ice on a first date. If it is not one of your favorites it is probably because you haven’t popped in yet. 

Pillow soft focaccia sandwiches with steak, fish, veggies or cheese. Focaccia Mia is a local gem run by focaccia expert Ida, who has carried the business since 1999 and has blown away uncountable groups with her generous portions filled up to the brim with top-tier ingredients.